Virginia Governor McAuliffe Places State At Forefront of 5G Wireless RevolutionCTIA Applauds Move That Will Spur Hundreds Of Millions Of Dollars In Investment and Spur Job Creation

WASHINGTON, June 8, 2017 –CTIA, the wireless industry association, applauded Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe at a ceremonial bill signing today that places Virginia at the forefront of the national race to deploy high speed 5G Internet services. The Governor’s approval of the legislation will spur hundreds of millions of dollars in investment and create thousands of new jobs in Virginia.

The legislation, Senate Bill 1282, accelerates the deployment of “small cell” infrastructure that will support next generation 5G wireless networks. 5G networks will connect smartphones and other wireless devices, at speeds up to 100 times faster than those available today and accelerate the deployment of the Internet of Things.

As a result of this legislation, Accenture forecasts that the wireless industry will make significant infrastructure investments in Virginia, including $179 million in Richmond, the state capital, and $371 million in Virginia Beach, the state’s largest city. The scale of the investment is forecast to create over 6,000 new jobs while generating wider employment and business benefits for the state.

“CTIA and the wireless industry commend Governor Terry McAuliffe and the Virginia General Assembly in supporting 5G wireless legislation that will boost business opportunity and enhance consumers’ lives,” said Meredith Attwell Baker, CTIA President and CEO. “This bill will deliver hundreds of millions of dollars in wireless-related investment and new job creation, and lead to further innovation across Virginia’s economy.”

“I am proud to sign this new law placing Virginia at the forefront of all the economic benefits that will flow from even faster 5G Internet connections,” said Governor McAuliffe. “I have made it a top priority to spur investment and job opportunities across the Commonwealth, and this law will help deliver that goal whether through improved education opportunities, better healthcare delivery, or autonomous transportation systems.”

Accenture also projects that 5G wireless networks could create as many as three million jobs across the country and boost U.S. GDP by nearly $500 billion over the next seven years.

5G wireless networks rely on small cells to deliver faster Internet connectivity to cities, businesses, and consumers. Small cells are similar in size to a pizza box and can be fixed to existing infrastructure such as lampposts or utility poles. To be deployed successfully they require a streamlined permitting process so states and municipalities can reap the full range of “Smart City” benefits.

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CTIA® (www.ctia.org) represents the U.S. wireless communications industry and the companies throughout the mobile ecosystem that enable Americans to lead a 21st century connected life. The association’s members include wireless carriers, device manufacturers, suppliers as well as apps and content companies. CTIA vigorously advocates at all levels of government for policies that foster continued wireless innovation and investment. The association also coordinates the industry’s voluntary best practices, hosts educational events that promote the wireless industry and co-produces the industry’s leading wireless tradeshow. CTIA was founded in 1984 and is based in Washington, D.C.